Report: Kawhi Leonard plans to go to Toronto with open mind about future

Kawhi Leonard reportedly plans to give the Raptors every opportunity to make it work long-term.

By Carlan Gay

More back and forth surrounding Kawhi Leonard's potential free agency next off-season surfaced on Wednesday, this time with some positive news for Raptors fans.

With rumours continuing to do the rounds that the former Finals MVP will look to play in his hometown of Los Angeles with either the Lakers or the Clippers once his current contract ends after this season, he is reportedly going to give Toronto every opportunity to change his mind.

"I think they do, based off of me talking to people within his circle ... they're going to go into this thing with an open mind and give this thing every last opportunity to work," Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News said on TSN Radio's Overdrive .

"Obviously, I think part of his mind, yes, let's keep real, I think he still feels like L.A. might be the destination but at the same time, he plans to go into this thing with an open mind giving it every single shot in the world to make it work."

Leonard reportedly asked to be dealt from the Spurs as his relationship with the organization had soured over the past season. Many believed that it was the advice Leonard had been receiving from his inner circle that led to the demands, but Young, who covers the Spurs on a daily basis, doesn't believe that is the case.

"I've spoken to his uncle the past few years, I know his family - they're not like that," Young continued. "Of course, his family does have input and he does trust them with input...but Kawhi comes to his own decision.

"If Kawhi Leonard did not want to get traded and wanted to remain in San Antonio, he'd still be in San Antonio. The fact that he wanted out, that wasn't his uncle's doing."

All eyes and ears will be on the Raptors' newest addition when they open training camp in late September in hopes that Leonard finally clears the air ahead of one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history.